Database Users

[GUIDE] The Beginner's Guide to Rooting Galaxy S3 and installing your first ROM

The Galaxy S3 being my first android (or smartphone for that matter), I had a tough time trying to figure out how to root my phone, which methods to use and which ROM to install. So I've compiled this from other threads here on xda after 2 days of heavy reading, for other noobs like me
FOLLOW THIS GUIDE TO THE LETTER. DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING, PRESS ANYTHING, CHECK ANY BOXES UNLESS TOLD TO DO SO OR YOU WILL END UP WITH A 600$ BRICK
[/COLOR]Rooting
So what is rooting? Rooting basically gives you administrator privileges on your phone, allowing you to install a host of programs that allow you to, for e.g. use firewalls, remove bloatware, change themes, install improved kernels, install custom roms with improved boot and memory performance, the list is really endless.
ROOTING VOIDS YOUR WARRANTY
However, it IS possible to reverse the process and cover your tracks, should you need to claim warranty. Read on to find out how.
Here is some good prereading to help you understand the basic flashing process and apps involved, even if it was written for the S2:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125282
Before we begin, its a good idea to note down the details under Settings -> About Phone, for future reference. Also note that under Status, if you root your phone, it changes to 'Modified'. This is, as stated before, reversible.
This guide is for the GT-I9300 Model. If your model number has a suffix (other than T) this may not work.
Step 1: Flashing CF-Root with Odin
This is an easy method to root your phone and I haven't needed to use any other. It comes with the added benefit of also installing Clockwork Mod and CWManager which we will use to make backups, flash our first ROM and cover our tracks. For those of you who want to install the newer clockworkmod touch look here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1719744
Guide compiled from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1695238
1. Install Samsung Kies and plug your phone into your PC via USB so that all the appropriate phone drivers are installed
2. Download and extract Odin3-vX.X.zip from the download link below
3. Download and extract CF-Root-SGS3-vX.X.zip ONCE (you will end up with CF-Root-SGS3-vX.X.tar
CF-Root for SGS3 v6.4:
http://download.chainfire.eu/196/CF-Root/SGS3/CF-Root-SGS3-v6.4.zip
4. Disconnect your phone from your computer, close Samsung Kies and any antivirus/firewall that may interrupt the flashing process
5. Run Odin, click PDA and navigate to your CF-Root-SGS3-vX.X.tar file
6. Power off your phone and then boot it into download mode (Hold Volume Down + Home + Power button until the screen fires up)
7. Note the warning and continue.
8. Connect the phone to your PC via USB and allow drivers to install.
9. Make sure 'Re-partition' is NOT checked in Odin
10. Click Start button and wait for android to boot
11. If you see a green 'PASS' message in Odin, everything went as intended. Done!
Step 2: Make a NANDroid Backup
This is a precautionary measure that backs up your phone's current state, should you have any problems with custom Roms. It is also a step in reversing the root process, should you need to claim warranty.
1. Power off your phone and boot into recovery mode (Hold Volume Up + Home + Power button untill the screen fires up). This starts up ClockworkMod.
2. Use Volume Up/Down to navigate and the Power button to select
3. Navigate to Backup/Restore->Backup and wait for backup to finish
4. Go back and select 'Reboot System Now'
5. Connect your phone to your computer and copy the backup folder from /sdcard/clockworkmod/backups/
6. Done! Now you can restore this backup by booting into recovery mode and hitting Restore!
Step 3: Installing your first ROM
After hunting for a good ROM that was fast and bloatware free, I ended up with the nightly build of the popular CyanogenMod 9 and I don't intend to go back!! I haven't had any problems with it whatsoever but if you prefer, you could instead install the RC version.
Note: The camera's flash feature cannot and will not work on any version of cyanogenmod until samsung releases source code for their camera.
Here's how to flash the ROM. This is also the basic method of installing any other ROM or kernel, though the ROM/kernel developer would give you more tailored instructions.
1. Download the desired version of CyanogenMod 9 from here:
http://get.cm/?device=i9300
2. Download Gapps from here. I used the 20120429 version. This may not be necessary for other roms.
http://goo.im/gapps
3. Copy both files to your phone's internal sd card
4. Boot into recovery mode
5. Select 'wipe/factory reset' and confirm
6. Select 'wipe cache partition' and confirm
7. Go to Advanced -> wipe dalvik cache and confirm.
Now we're ready to flash the ROM!
8. Select 'install zip from sd card'
9. Select 'install zip from internal sd card and navigate to the cyanogenmod file and confirm
10. When done, use the same method to install the gapps file
11. Do a wipe/factory reset again (needed for google calendar sync to work)
12. Go back and select 'Reboot system now'
13. The boot screen of the new ROM will show up. Wait about 10 seconds, remove the battery and put it back in.
14. Power on and setup your phone. Done!
More on CyanogenMod:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1714354
Step 4: Installing your modem
With CyanogenMod 9, people report that the first call made doesn't work, but every subsequent call will. If, however, you are still unable to make calls, you may have to install your phone's specific modem driver which you should have noted under Baseband version before we began (under Settings->About Phone).
1. Go here to download your specific modem and copy it to your phone's internal sd card:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1740061
In my case, it was XXLFB.
2. Boot into Recovery Mode
3. Install .zip from internal sdcard and navigate to your modem.zip file
4. Done!
Step 5: Covering your tracks
So your phone is broken and you need to claim warranty? Not with your rooted phone you don't! The S3 uses a flash counter that tells it how many times the phone has been flashed, and your rooted phone appears as 'modified' under status information. Here's how to cover your tracks.
1. Download your phone's stock firmware for your region from here and copy it to your phone
http://www.sammobile.com/firmware/?page=3
2. Download TriangleAway from the download link below or consider buying it from googleplay to support the hardworking developers, extract it and copy it to your phone:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1494114
3. Install TriangleAway by opening the .apk your phone's file explorer (Mine's ES File Explorer)
4. Run TriangleAway and select 'Reset Flash Counter'. Your phone will Reboot into a special mode. Reset the flash counter here and pull the battery immediately after reboot.
5. Boot into Recovery Mode and do a factory reset, cache wipe and dalvik cache wipe.
6. Flash the stock Firmware, reboot and setup the phone without any logins.
7. Check that Settings -> About Device -> Status is not 'Modified'
8. Done!
[
More on TriangleAway:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1494114
Optional: Upgrade to CM10
1. Make a Nandroid backup so you can restore if you dont like cm10/if its too buggy.
2. Download CyanogenMod 10, Gapps and your modem from here and copy it to your internal sd card:
http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager/device/i9300/developer/daniel.hillenbrand%40codeworkx.de?manifest=http%3A%2F%2Fdeveloper.clockworkmod.com%2Fdeveloper%2Fdaniel.hillenbrand%40codeworkx.de%2Fmanifest&name=codeworkx&deviceName=Samsung%20Galaxy%20S3
3. Boot into Recovery Mode and install cm10 then gapps then modem using 'install zip from sd card -> choose zip from internal sd card'
4. Do a factory reset/wipe then reboot
5. Done!
More on CyanogenMod 10:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1779578
Please point out any errors/suggestions so I can make the appropriate changes. Also report any issues for the benefit of other noobs out there
Admins: If my formatting is inappropriate I apologize but I'm by no means an expert at this
Credits:
Chainfire
Teamhacksung
willk22
UpInTheAir
and All contributors without whom none of this would be possible
Download

I'm afraid to root mine in case something goes wrong.

Thus is the best root guide I have read thank you so much , will do thus when cm10 is more everyday user friendly. Can not thank you enough.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

Awesome guide mate.
I'm too big a wuss to flash a custom rom at the moment but this is pushing me to try it!

good thread man just moved from sgs2 to this and what an improvement! Cheers

I spent an entire day researching heavily before I was comfortable doing this and since everything is compiled here, I'm glad to see it having the same effect on you guys

Triangle Away is a payed app. Offered for free by chainfire on his thread for xda members. He specifically asked not to post it elsewhere. I think you are not permitted to attach it on other thread. At least ask for permission to do it.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

Phil3759 said:
Triangle Away is a payed app. Offered for free by chainfire on his thread for xda members. He specifically asked not to post it elsewhere. I think you are not permitted to attach it on other thread. At least ask for permission to do it.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have posted this thread only on xda and like chainfire believe it should be available for free. People won't buy the app unless theyve tried it and know it works. But since you complained I've removed the attachment and people will have to visit chainfire's thread in order to download it.
Thanks for feedback!

Use Clockworks Touch
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1719744
Can be found here

Updated to include clockwork touch option.

Awesome stuff jbonetwo :good:
Question though? Rooted & installed Cyanogen 9 as above, followed all steps all rebooted and set up phone as if 1st time user. Now I've lost all apps, contacts, messages etc and nothing has synced?
How can I get all contacts back? Not sure why it hasn't synced as I've linked my Gmail account and sync is on?
Please excuse an Android noob....

Updated with CM10 Instructions

FinGerS o FuDgE said:
Awesome stuff jbonetwo :good:
Question though? Rooted & installed Cyanogen 9 as above, followed all steps all rebooted and set up phone as if 1st time user. Now I've lost all apps, contacts, messages etc and nothing has synced?
How can I get all contacts back? Not sure why it hasn't synced as I've linked my Gmail account and sync is on?
Please excuse an Android noob....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will lose your apps when switching to a new rom. One good way to reinstall apps is with titanium backup pro (batch reinstall).
If you had your contacts sync;d with google, syncing with your google account on your new rom should (supposedly) restore your contacts. I didnt have to do this though since i added contacts after installing cm9.

Thank you for the guide, worked first time for me

[GUIDE] Systemless Root of your Nook Tab S2 710

With Barnes & Noble now selling the Galaxy Tab S2 710 (32gb) for $299 in the U.S. (and an extra 10% off if you're a B&N member), I picked one up yesterday and immediately came here to research rooting and set up. What I found were a lot of guides written a while ago, and a lot of confusing (at least to me) information. So I thought I would consolidate, in one place, in a new thread, what I eventually did, on the assumption that there might be a lot of new Tab S2 owners in the coming weeks. Obviously, you undertake these steps at your own risk, and YMMV. Also, hopefully equally obviously, none of the fantastic tools here are original with me -- credit goes to all those, like chainfire, ashyrx, wanam, engine95 and many more who have built and/or developed them.
1. If your Tab comes with anything but 5.1.1 XXU2BPB1, feel free to take the OTA update. In the US, it's the most current build as of 4.30.16 and you will still be able to root.
2. If you don't already have it, download Odin 3.10.7. You can find it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2711451
When you run Odin in Windows, probably better to run it in administrator mode (right click on the icon), although I haven't always found that to be necessary.
3. Flash a Custom Recovery using the PDA tab of Odin. Put your Tab into Download mode by turning it off, then pressing and holding the Home, Power and Volume Down buttons all at the same time. When the download screen comes up, press the Volume Up button to continue. Now you're ready to attach your Tab to your PC. Load TWRP 3.0.2-1 from Ashyx's thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-s2/development/recovery-twrp-2-8-7-x-lollipop-5-1-1-t3205686 into Odin. Follow his instructions carefully -- once the custom recovery flashes, you have to manually reboot into the new recovery (so untick the auto-reboot option in Odin) or else your new custom recovery gets overwritten and you go back to your stock recovery.
4. Backup your Stock Rom -- While you're still in TWRP (or if you've already rebooted, go back to it), it would make sense to do a full backup of your stock ROM. That way you can restore your Tab to its original state if you ever need or want to.
5. Root -- Here's where I found the most confusion on these forums. You can do a systemless root -- i.e., keeping a stock, SE Enforcing, kernel (as opposed to flashing a permissive kernel and always getting the red SE Noneforcing Kernel message on a reboot and/or needing to use CF-Auto-Root). All you need to do is install Super SU 2.71 (BETA). Get the zip from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/supersu/2014-09-02-supersu-v2-05-t2868133 and put it on your Tab. Then flash using the "Install" choice within your TWRP recovery. Reboot -- and when TWRP asks you whether you want to install SuperSU because you're not rooted -- you have to say "NO" (OK, that's counterintuitive, but chainfire's instructions are clear).
5. Debloat -- That's beyond this thread's scope, but I recommend Titanium Backup from the Play Store. If you want to get rid of the "Nook" logo on reboot, flash the zip file from post #2 of Engine95's thread (using TWRP) found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/tab-s2/development/rom-neked-nook-oj1-5-1-1-710-t3317823
6. SD Card Fix -- if you find your third party apps can't write to your SD Card, the attachment below describes how to fix it. If this type of editing scares you (make a backup first!), the Play Store app SD Card Fix supposedly still works with Lollipop and you can try that.
7. Netflix Fix -- for some reason, Netflix doesn't like root on the Nook Tab. The fix for this is as simple as renaming the file "system/lib/liboemcrypto.so" (using a root explorer of your choice) as "system/lib/liboemcrypto.so.bak"
8. Xposed -- I happen to like Xposed and don't find it messes up anything, while giving you a ton of customization options. Installation is a two-step process. First, find the correct version of wanam's Xposed zip from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/unofficial-xposed-samsung-lollipop-t3180960, and flash it using TWRP. For Lollipop on the S2, I used his SDK 22-arm version (SDK 23 is for Marshmallow). Don't worry if the reboot takes a long time -- that's normal. Then, once rebooted, simply install wanam's Xposed apk (XposedInstaller_3.0_Alpha4) that's available in the same thread.
That's it. I hope this saves some of you a lot of my trial and error, and, if it does, please press the "thanks" button.
EDIT -- Here's a #9 I just discovered --- Microsoft Office apps, although pre-installed on the device, will not open once you're rooted (or maybe it's just flashing TWRP that does it). Moreover, if you uninstall and try a re-install from the Play Store, if you're like me, you'll get a device not compatible message. My solution was to sideload the apks (e.g., Word, Excel and Powerpoint) from my Note 4, but I suspect you could also change your device ID within your build.prop file (backup first!) and get a similar result.
ANOTHER EDIT (5.2.16) -- #10 -- I can't get Google Play Movies to work at all on my T710 after rooting. Tried renaming libemcrypto.so without luck. Tried editing boot.prop to disguise myself as a Nexus 10. Tried the Xposed module Root Cloak. All no good. Any suggestions welcome!

Thanks! I just got a new nook and have started to come into these forums and also noticed the old and randomly updated threads. I appreciate the clear instructions. Are there any roms right now that you are recommending?

rawdikrik said:
Thanks! I just got a new nook and have started to come into these forums and also noticed the old and randomly updated threads. I appreciate the clear instructions. Are there any roms right now that you are recommending?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I'm trying to stick with stock. Engine95's rom seems to have some happy users though....

how do you manual reboot to recovery mode after download mode? i have tried the (pwr+vol up+home) but it does not work at all.. once i reboot normally the TWRP which i flashed cannot get installed at all. I need HELP!

G900V Re-Activation Lock, BUILD KOT49H.FA44_G900VVRU2APA1 4.4.2

I'm stuck on some developer ROM.. Was trying to follow instructions to get passed the activation lock. So I currently have a barely working ROM installed (as it seems it's for developers). I don't care what version of android I get installed at this point.. Looking for some help. I've been trying to fix it for days now. I don't have access to the icloud email I used to set up the samsung account, that's what started all of this *cries*

FancyPantsu said:
I'm stuck on some developer ROM.. Was trying to follow instructions to get passed the activation lock. So I currently have a barely working ROM installed (as it seems it's for developers). I don't care what version of android I get installed at this point.. Looking for some help. I've been trying to fix it for days now. I don't have access to the icloud email I used to set up the samsung account, that's what started all of this *cries*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try using Odin to flash the appropriate firmware though I'm not sure if it would wipe the reactivation lock

FancyPantsu said:
I'm stuck on some developer ROM.. Was trying to follow instructions to get passed the activation lock. So I currently have a barely working ROM installed (as it seems it's for developers). I don't care what version of android I get installed at this point.. Looking for some help. I've been trying to fix it for days now. I don't have access to the icloud email I used to set up the samsung account, that's what started all of this *cries*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which/what instructions were you going by....?

Deleted

FancyPantsu said:
I'm stuck on some developer ROM.. Was trying to follow instructions to get passed the activation lock. So I currently have a barely working ROM installed (as it seems it's for developers). I don't care what version of android I get installed at this point.. Looking for some help. I've been trying to fix it for days now. I don't have access to the icloud email I used to set up the samsung account, that's what started all of this *cries*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@FancyPantsu, do you know what OS version you were running before you had done what, IMHO, you shouldn't have unless you know exactly what you are doing. You didn't actually flash a ROM persay, you flashed, i believe, the engineering ROM or something like that.....let me/us know EXACTLY what Android version you were running before you ODIN'd the factory Tar file. By that I mean OG5, OK3, PB1, PD1, etc. But need that to possibly get you out of your predicament....

al50 said:
@FancyPantsu, do you know what OS version you were running before you had done what, IMHO, you shouldn't have unless you know exactly what you are doing. You didn't actually flash a ROM persay, you flashed, i believe, the engineering ROM or something like that.....let me/us know EXACTLY what Android version you were running before you ODIN'd the factory Tar file. By that I mean OG5, OK3, PB1, PD1, etc. But need that to possibly get you out of your predicament....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly this would be the first time anything like this has happened, haha.. I've flashed many devices with custom roms and never seemed to have this much of a problem. Basically the whole situation was I got the phone from my cousin who didn't need it anymore, she doesn't know her google info (no way of finding out now), so I figured what the hell and started screwing with the phone. Samsung being Samsung.. This happened. I seem to have flashed a dev rom or as you said an engineering rom (which I'm pretty sure it is). If I can remember correctly it was running.. 6.0.1.
If it helps any, I'm up for trying anything I've got plenty of phones laying around at this point, would be nice to have the s5 again though.
**Sorry for the very, very, very late reply!
-Thanks.

... del ...

bbsc said:
All you need is:
1. Install a 4.4.2 with working Samsung Account. It's a little tricky because you cannot downgrade your phone via Odin to 4.4.2. Root that "developer ROM" you have, install Safestrap Recovery and use it to flash a custom stock-near 4.4.2.
2. Boot it and bypass Setup Wizard. It's a little tricky too but is easily done with an OTG cable and a USB stick. There are other methods but I like this one .
3. Create a new Samsung account (or login to your existing Samsung account) from the phone and turn Reactivation Lock off.
After this you'll be able to flash any firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it possible to message you directly in case I need any help or have questions? @bbsc

... del ...

bbsc said:
Please, ask questions and I'll answer if I can.
Have a look at the first and the third post in this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve.../testers-required-easier-root-method-t3561529
It will give you directions how to root your current rom and to install Safestrap Recovery.
This will be the first step
P.S. Nothing more. Just G900VVRU2APA1, Apex launcher, BusyBox, Towelroot, Safestrap Recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh jeez. That's confusing already.. Lol. I've got G900VVRU1ANCG downloaded \, Towelroot v3, Safestrap KLTEVZ
I'm currently booted into the current engineering rom. Next step?
(Sorry if I'm not catching it the first time)

... del ...

bbsc said:
The next step is to read the thread I've given you link to, download files, install Apex launcher, BusyBox, Towelroot, Safestrap recovery. To root engineering ROM.
You'll need some 4.4.2 stock-like ROM to install via Safestrap Recovery. Odin won't work. This ROM will do. You can download it here.
After this you need to reboot to Safestrap Recovery and install kltevzw_NCG_eLLiKat1_0.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright. Currently I have the files downloaded, moving them over to the sd card now. EMMC_15_VZW_QB2_STOCK_MAGISK_ROOT.zip, EMMC_15_Root_Bootloader_Unlock+S5_QB2_PB1.zip, Towelroot.apk, Safestrap.apk. Missing anything that you can notice? I'll continue to follow the steps and see where it lands me

... del ...

bbsc said:
Supersu.apk missing. My fault, sorry.
1. Copy apk files and kltevzw_NCG_eLLiKat1_0.zip into the phone's memory.
2. Install Apex_Launcher.apk (you'll need to turn Unknown Sources ON) but do not run it.
3. Install BusyBox.apk but don not run it.
4. Install Safestrap_KK.apk but do not run it.
5. Install tr_v2.apk - Open - make it rain (a message "You should have root, no reboot required" should appear) - Back.
6. Install Superuser.apk - Open - Continue - Normal - Reboot.
7. After reboot, in the pop-up window - Apex Launcher - Always - Ok.
8. Menu (dotted button) - BusyBox Free - Grant - close balloon - Install - close balloon - Back.
9. Safestrap - Grant - Agree - Install Recovery - Reboot to recovery. Wait patiently for SafeStrap Recovery to boot.
10. Swipe to Allow modifications - Wipe - Advanced Wipe - Dalvik/Data/Cache - Swipe to Wipe.
22. Back - Back - Back - Install, install kltevzw_NCG_eLLiKat1_0.zip.
Reboot system and now you must have a 4.4.2 phone with Samsung account locked. Next step will be to bypass Setup Wizard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got into recovery once. Followed the wrong directions- off the link you gave me. Wasn't supposed to do anything else from there I suppose. Now I reboot to custom binary blocked by reactivation lock. Solution? Gotta redo everything again?

... del ...

bbsc said:
Sorry.
You have to begin again from the start and flash COMBINATION_VZW_FA44_G900VVRU2APA1_VZW2APA1_257265 6_REV00_user_mid_noship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5 with Odin.
I'll prepare a detailed guide with files if needed but a bit later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need- I redid everything already. About to boot into safestrap.

... del ...

bbsc said:
I'll leave it here to edit and add links later.
1. Charge the battery to more than 50%.
2. Download Odin and COMBINATION_VZW_FA44_G900VVRU2APA1_VZW2APA1_257265 6_REV00_user_mid_noship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5.
3. Download applications files - apks.zip.
4. Download ROM file - kltevzw_NCG_eLLiKat1_0.zip.
5. Run Odin.exe.
6. Select COMBINATION_VZW_FA44_G900VVRU2APA1_VZW2APA1_257265 6_REV00_user_mid_noship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5 in Odin's AP slot, boot the phone into the download (Odin) mode, connect with USB cable to the computer, press Start, wait till the flash process is finished. Press Exit and wait for the phone to complete reboot.
7. Disconnect USB cable from the phone and connect again.
8. Unzip apks.zip into the apks forlder on the Desktop.
9. Copy everything from apks folder to the root of phone's internal memory.
10. Copy ROM file kltevzw_NCG_eLLiKat1_0.zip to the root of phone's internal memory.
11. Disconnect the cable from the phone.
12. Press Menu (dotted button) - My Files - All - RootS5.
13. Apex_Launcher.apk - Settings - Unknown Sources - Ok - Back - Apex_Launcher.apk - Next - Install - Done.
14. BusyBox.apk - Install - Done.
15. Safestrap_KK.apk - Install - Done.
16. tr_v2.apk - Install - Open - make it rain (a message "You should have root, no reboot required" should appear) - Back.
17. Superuser.apk - Install - Open - Continue - Normal - Reboot.
18. After reboot, in the pop-up window - Apex Launcher - Always - Ok.
19. Menu (dotted button) - BusyBox Free - Grant - close balloon - Install - close balloon - Back.
20. Safestrap - Grant - Agree - Install Recovery - Reboot to recovery. Wait patiently for SafeStrap Recovery to boot.
21. Swipe to Allow modifications - Wipe - Advanced Wipe - Dalvik/Data/Cache - Swipe to Wipe.
22. Back - Back - Back - Install, install kltevzw_NCG_eLLiKat1_0.zip.
23. Reboot System - Do not install. After reboot you should see 4.4.2 Setup Wizard (dark background).
24. Connect to Wi-Fi AP.
25. Get a FAT-formatted USB stick of any size and a USB-OTG cable. Throw any apk file on the USB stick and connect it to the phone.
26. When the phone recognizes the storage it will pop-up an Explorer window. Navigate to your apk file and tap it once. You should see a security warning with link to Settings.
27. Press "Settings", navigate to Reactivation Lock and disable it. The phone will ask you to enter login/password from your Samsung account or to register a new one. Do it.
28. After logging into the Samsung account you should be able to disable Reactivation Lock.
29. Flash any firmware on your choice. The current firmware is outdated and may be non-operational in some points.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much kind sir Restored, up and running again.

FancyPantsu said:
Thank you very much kind sir Restored, up and running again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
~~ Now if I want to flash a custom rom from 4.4.2 up to 7.0 how can I do that..? Currently trying multiple roms, none of them will boot correctly. Get's stuck in a boot loop

FancyPantsu said:
~~ Now if I want to flash a custom rom from 4.4.2 up to 7.0 how can I do that..? Currently trying multiple roms, none of them will boot correctly. Get's stuck in a boot loop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This question does not concern this discussion.
Your phone is now "clean" and if you flash a factory firmware with Odin and perform a factory reset it will be in a "like new" state.
You'd better begin with these threads:
One
Two
Personally I and my family and my friends use this ROM with the latest firmware for SM-G900V.

Tutorial! I Made a Video! On How I Flash...

This is probably in the wrong section and I'm very sorry as I'm new to this forum and posting.
BUT! I've made a video and this tutorial to help others just fine their way around here I guess.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7eqUkueyyw&feature=youtu.be
How I Flashed My Note 4 Back to Stock! And then Root with Magisk and Having Working Mods or Some Minimal Extras!.
Just a tutorial for new people or in general to just felt like a help in need of doing this process.. and haven't seen anyone else post in exact details.
I haven't had any problems after I've done this and i will be posting a follow up video soon. .. But Yeah, I hope this helps everyone. :/
===
So, first off I'd have to say thank you for the support everyone, now let 's get down to business.
Also, please take this to a high acknowledge as this WILL! ERASE!! EVERYTHING!
Off your device, I'm not responsible for your misguided actions.
So, PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! BACKUP! YOUR PHONE!
Let's Start Shall We
==Steps====
(... I'm Using Windows 10 64Bit ...)
1st.) DRIVERS!
Make Sure that you have Installed the Drivers for your Device.
the "SM-N910P" Varient.
What I have installed is "SAMSUNG USB Drivers for Mobile Phones - v1.5.63.0 "
You can find this on the sam-mobile website, or you're own provided sources. Google.
2nd.) BACKUP!
So, we're at the stage where we need to back the phone up.
After you had finished install driver's it's important that you Restart YOUR PC.
Just in case, so that you're able to Connect your Device and View your Files!.
I Typically Connect my phone either Usb 2.0 or 3.0 doesn't matter,
Allow Permissions to Access My DATA and then I just backup my "Internal Storage" by going inside and selecting everything
and then pasting it Onto a "New Folder" On My Desktop.
I Mainly Copy over everything that's listed on my device, except the folders called
.Android and Com.Facebook.Orca Folders.
As that's just a folder just for the app to function or the app data,
which doesn't even consist of anything from your picture or videos. Just app stuffs, rendered as useless.
After wards, I Highly recommend Downloading an app called "Easy Backup & Restore"
AS this app WILL! actually backup your Contacts, SMS and call Logs and even MMS in the text per contact.
All you have to do from there is set a save location, Allow the app to think it's the stock messages app, back it up.
it saves it as an XML File and then afterwards. Your Done, and just tap the button to switch it back to normal.
!!!!You Might need to back this file on your PC ASWELL! or else you will lose your texts in general!!!!
Moving Forward....
3rd.) Triple Checking!
AS a Side "Note" no pun intended.....
THIS WILL VOID ANY WARRENTIES! you have for your device.
Unless you had bought this from Online or Secondhand, like me
From Ebay for 120$ Used. Then You can bypass this part. as this step isn't covered by your
Mobile Insurances plans like "TEP". All they would suggest is to grab another phone or if you're lucky.
Like my old phone an S6, i literally tried flashing the OTA and it wouldn't boot, but that's all they know.
EFS issues..lol.... you know what i mean.
4th.) FLASHING!
Now! that you don't have any warrenties and have backed up your phone for sure, Made sure you remeber all your logins and passwords.
I"d Highly suggest to Safely Remove your SDCARD!, so it won't get formatted by accident, I'd know this.
Afterwards, you will Likely make sure your phone is at least 30% or 50% or Recommended 100% Battery Life to Coninute the process.
Without sudden power loss failure.
Another thing make sure you go into your "Settings" and then Select "About Phone" And then Tap the
"Build Number" Several of times until it says it's activated, Afterwards go Into "Developer Options" and select
"OEM Unlocking" so you won't have that nasty FRP LOCK issue. if that's the case. if it's not there then no need to worry.
AS soon as that's Completed. You're All Set!.
5th.) Let's Flash Baby! ;D
So, for this step you need to download these Files, "Odin" STOCK Image/Tar and Custom Recovery!.
I'm using "Odin3 v3.10".
and Download The Stock Image or in this case ".Tar" file.
I'm using, "N910PVPS4DPJ1_N910PSPT4DPJ1_N910PVPS4DPJ1_HOME.tar" for the day.
and Also Team Win Recovery Project "TWRP" V3.1.1.0 .img or .tar whatever you prefer for this one.
///Note ////
What I usually do but isn't recommended is, when This file is done download from one of your own sources.
I'd Extract the same label file but with ".rar" at the end of it with Winrar
and then GO INTO THE EXTRACTED FOLDER, look for the file and then I'd erase the extension "..md5" and keep
the whole "..tar" extension instead, to "SKIP" File Intergrity, from Odin. Makes flashing easier for me, Haven't had any problems.
///////////
Anyways, you would then Start Up ODIN with ADMIN RIGHTS, then Select the Label "AP".
Afterwards Select that TAR file you just extracted.
Then, Make Sure "Auto-Reboot" Is Selected and "F. Reset Time"... Don't Check the other labels, please.
Unplug Your Phone (if it's still connected and done being backed up and what not)
Restart the Phone into DL MODE or Download Mode,
via Powering Off the Phone or Taking out the Battery, Putting it back in.
Then Pressing Vol Down, Power And Home Buttons! Simultaneously! You Shoud Feel 1 small Vibrate and then let go of those buttons.
You should then see a Continue or Restart Phone text.
You would then select Continue, And then It should Prompt to a new screen saying "Downloading..."
Now at this point you may connect your Device, Your PC should be Installing New Drivers, wait for that to be Done.
And or By Then if it's already installed, Check back with Odin to See if anything's Listed under "ID:COM"
Mine was Com 3, Highlighted Baby Blue.
After you see that, go ahead and say bye bye and select "Start" to Flash your phone back to Stock!... this should take roughly 10 Minutes.
After this is all done and your phone may have rebooted 3 or 4 Times during the process.
6th.) Going through setup!.
You're now prompted with the "Welcome Screen" HOORAY! SUCCESS!! You're Now Back to Stock! but we're not done yet.
Now go ahead and skip this setup by just speeding throught like i always do.
Enabling Wifi of course, unallow data being sent to samsung or google , yada yada, add google account, don't restore apps
I will do that later, yada yada.
Once that's done, it should reboot or not.
What I alway before I commence the next step is to make Sure that I Installed Snapchat 1st and Logged into it.
As this now has ROOT detection, and if it's preinstalled or even just freshly installed you won't be able to login to it.
Unless you went ahead of this then well,
You need to erase the ROOT and try again, you might even need to contact the support team of snapchat because it can
lock your account from this issue *(goodluck)*
This method doesn't matter, as long as your google play services is updated and the play store.
Than you can intsall Snap from the Store or from your SDCARD saved APK File.
Now you're ready to move onto the next step.
7th.) CUSTOM RECOVERY!
Flashing Custom Recovery.
Okay so, after you have successfully logged into Snap, you may now, REBOOT your phone back into "DL MODE" again
So, This Time we're now going to flash your custom recovery.
I've always been using "TWRP v3.1.1.0"
So, what we do next is Open Odin back up again, or if you had it Open already Click the Reset Button,
SELECT the "AP" button again BUT THIS TIME!
Select the TWRP File as I mentioned earlier.
After that's been done, go ahead and Click Start.
Once that's done it should automatically BOOT into Recovery but if not, Go Ahead and as soon as it Reboots.
go ahead and holding the VOL UP HOME AND POWER Simultanesly
Until you feel the 1st Vibrate and then 2nd Vibrate with a Visual of Saying REBOOTING INTO RECOVERY.
Then You've successfully made it into "TWRP".
( Same sequence like DL MODE except, going ahead and holding the VOL UP HOME AND POWER Simultanesly )
Either by Powering Off UI or Battery Pull Method or Auto Reboot from ODIN.. anyways
At this point I inserted my SDCARD back into my phone because it has the necesarry files for this partm you should do the same.
8th.) ROOTING PROCESS!
Now onto the ROOT.
From Here this Is OPTIONAL...
What I do tho is... I Pop in my 16GB SDCARD, size doesn't matter as in space.
Now for this step you need to download another 3 files
As long as you have these 3 Files you're good to go,"Magisk v14.0", "Magisk Manager APK", and "UN7 Modset",
Slap those files onto your SD CARD or Internal Storage or OTG even, the choice is yours.
~~~~~~~~~~~~ Actual ROOT Process~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'd then reboot My phone into TWRP and then
Allow Flashing in TWRP, then Selecting the "INSTALL" button, and Selecting MY SDCARD as the Storage Location.
I'd then Start by Selecting The, Magisk v14.0 and Flashing that file first, once that's completed go ahead and select.
"Reboot Back To System" and then Selecting "DO Not Install" so you wouldn't have to install TWRP to the System Partition.
Afterwards, it should Reboot, and then Vibrate once, and then Reboot again like a soft reboot,
and then the phone will be back to normal.
( optional battery pull, then holding power button )
I'd then go into the app called "My Files" and then I'd Go into my 16GB SDCARD and Installing the Magisk Manager APK, that's only
if it's not already insatlled... if it isn't do that and if it is.
Then I'd go into the APP to see if it's a Success with installation. Once It is. I'd then Press the tab and Select Magisk hide
then selecting the Snapchat app.
=====================================================================
Afterwards I'd then Reboot back into Recovery.
Flash the "UN7 Modset" for the, Beast mode kernal r61 ZL PJ1 Based by Freeza and then V4A 2.5.0.5 and then the Camera UHQ+ Tweak.
Everything else is up to you for the Boot Animation Changes, and or Dolby Atmos even tho I'm not sure how V4A and dobly will interefere.
Once you have selected those few tweaks, go ahead and let them flash and once that's done, go ahead and let it reboot....
======================================================
AS soon as the phones Back to normal, Check the V4A app to see if it's successfull, and if it is then you have Successfully.
ROOTed your device With a V4A Audio Mod, Camera Tweak and even a Custom Kernel.
LAST STEP!
Is to now go back into TWRP and Flash Magisk, one more time, and then Reboot The Phone Back to Normal.
Have fun with your customizations.
I take no credit for the following flash files, just a tutorial to install all of the above properly.
I hope this helped out you alot today, and as always take care and godbless.
Profit????.....
As a side note....
IF YOU HAVE THE MMC READ FAIL MESSAGE!!!
Which consists of Random Reboots, Heating Issues when theirs hardly no apps on, or even Lag or Glitchyness.
The Temp FiX that I've been using everyday and haven't had these issues since was downloading this app
WakeLock Manager and setting to PARTIAL LOCK! on Level 4.
====Links===
Anything Higher than 3.10+ will work.
And Making sur that your selecting AUTO REBOOT AND F RESET TIME THATS IT>>>> ONLY USING AP METHOD FOR TAR.
.
Odin3 v3.10: http://odindownloader.com/download/odin3-v3-10-7
TAR:
http://downloadmirror.co/1Ksy/N910PVPS4DPJ1.zip
https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/galaxy-note4/SM-N910P/SPR/download/N910PVPS4DPJ1/109071/
https://samsung-firmware.org/download/GALAXY Note4/7sk8/SPR/N910PVPS4DPJ1/N910PSPT4DPJ1/
http://samsung-updates.com/details/81541//SM-N910P/SPR/N910PVPS4DPJ1.html
TWRP 3.1.1.0 TRLTE: https://dl.twrp.me/trlte/
UN7 AROMA MODSET: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=817550096634768841
DRIVERS: http://samsungusbdriver.com/download/samsung-driver-v1-5-63-0
Easy Backup & Restore: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mdroidapps.easybackup&hl=en
MAGISK!!
https://forum.xda-developers.com/apps/magisk/official-magisk-v7-universal-systemless-t3473445
Just click on Latest Magisk and Latest Manager, it should still be Magisk v14.0 and 5.3.0 for the Manager

hi thanks very much
thanks very much for explain ... oh l'm not understant

Samsung S7 Edge is locked - Unlock or Data Extract help? Unique Situation...

Ok guys, new here and I've done a bit of reading on this already. From what I gather, the S7 Edge is difficult if not impossible to unlock without a factory reset. Here's the issue.
This phone belongs to my friend's husband who was severely injured in an accident at work. He's in a coma and probably won't survive. He was severely burned over 90% of his body with chemicals and he has no fingerprints to unlock the fingerprint scanner. In addition, his wife doesn't know his password, so I figured I'd see if I could do anything for her. I tried the Dr. Fone program, but it's apparently incompatible with the S7 Edge. He keeps getting texts and messages and we can't check them. The phone is also set for a daily alarm at 1:30 AM, and apparently you can't power it down without the lock code either. Ideally, I'd like to either gain access for her or at least extract what data we can from the thing before factory resetting it. It would also be nice to power it down so that it doesn't keep putting out an alarm every night in the middle of the night. All his contacts with his family are inconveniently stored in the phone as well. It's kind of a worst case scenario.
Any assistance or recommendations for a course of action for this situation would be fantastic. I don't have any other information on the device itself other than that it's running on Freedom Mobile's network in Ontario, Canada. They've said they can factory reset it for her, but we were trying to avoid that and get any contacts or messages from his phone if possible.
Thanks in advance for any help! I know it's a long shot!
Edit: I managed to power down the phone with the Power Button/Volume Down trick after about 9 tries, so at least the alarm won't go off. Other than that, no luck.

Unique situation? More like fked up situation.
Anyways I am assuming its a completely stock phone with USB debugging turned off. Hope its not carrier locked, if yes then here are the steps:
1. Flash Custom Recovery on the Phone using Odin
2. Use aroma file manager from the Recovery, you need to download it separately, put it on its SD card.
3. Now using aroma file manager navigate to Data Folder and then; System Folder and find “gesture.key” or “password.key” for pattern lock or password lock respectively.
4. Delete those any password related file and reboot. It should be unlocked now.

Thanks VERY much, UnNaMeD__!!!
I'm looking at Odin and the Recovery firmware right now. Is there a recommended version? I see TWRP and CWM, but primarily TWRP mentioned, and it looks like the .tar files are easy to find. I'm pretty new to this type of mod and I don't want to brick the phone, I know it's a risk. I'm looking at faqs on theandroidsoul and the cyanogenmods forum which seem quite thorough. Apparently I can't post the links as I'm a new user here....seems fair I suppose, especially considering the forum content.
My friend's husband didn't have a microSD card in (just checked), but I can toss a spare one of mine in for Aroma, which I found. I probably need for format it for FAT32, not NTFS though? Is there any way to tell if it's carrier locked? It's from a small phone company, not one of the bigger guys. I'm going to wait until I hear back to get started on this, as I'm decent with Windows based systems, but unfamiliar with the nuances of modding Android. I use a stock Sony XZ Premium myself.
Again, thanks very much! I've got some hope we can get in touch with his family now!
UnNaMeD__ said:
Unique situation? More like fked up situation.
Anyways I am assuming its a completely stock phone with USB debugging turned off. Hope its not carrier locked, if yes then here are the steps:
1. Flash Custom Recovery on the Phone using Odin
2. Use aroma file manager from the Recovery, you need to download it separately, put it on its SD card.
3. Now using aroma file manager navigate to Data Folder and then; System Folder and find “gesture.key” or “password.key” for pattern lock or password lock respectively.
4. Delete those any password related file and reboot. It should be unlocked now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

maxlords said:
Thanks VERY much, UnNaMeD__!!!
I'm looking at Odin and the Recovery firmware right now. Is there a recommended version? I see TWRP and CWM, but primarily TWRP mentioned, and it looks like the .tar files are easy to find. I'm pretty new to this type of mod and I don't want to brick the phone, I know it's a risk. I'm looking at faqs on theandroidsoul and the cyanogenmods forum which seem quite thorough. Apparently I can't post the links as I'm a new user here....seems fair I suppose, especially considering the forum content.
My friend's husband didn't have a microSD card in (just checked), but I can toss a spare one of mine in for Aroma, which I found. I probably need for format it for FAT32, not NTFS though? Is there any way to tell if it's carrier locked? It's from a small phone company, not one of the bigger guys. I'm going to wait until I hear back to get started on this, as I'm decent with Windows based systems, but unfamiliar with the nuances of modding Android. I use a stock Sony XZ Premium myself.
Again, thanks very much! I've got some hope we can get in touch with his family now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use odin 3.13 the latest
Then download twrp recovery 3.2.2.0 tar file for hero2lte the latest.
Boot your phone into odin mode by restarting your phone while holding power home button and vol down. When your reach the confirmation screen press OK.
Open odin and put the tar file in the ap slot and click the ap box and hit start to begin flashing.
Now restart ur phone by holding power home and vol down then immediately hold power home vol up to reach custom recovery.
Edit I just tested this myself
Flash the zip file from this thread no need to go looking for files in system.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2780696
Should remove password pin or pattern.
To check if it's network locked just look at the back of your phone if it says 935u or Verizon wireless or 935W8 then the phone is unlocked for different networks.

maxlords said:
Thanks VERY much, UnNaMeD__!!!
I'm looking at Odin and the Recovery firmware right now. Is there a recommended version? I see TWRP and CWM, but primarily TWRP mentioned, and it looks like the .tar files are easy to find. I'm pretty new to this type of mod and I don't want to brick the phone, I know it's a risk. I'm looking at faqs on theandroidsoul and the cyanogenmods forum which seem quite thorough. Apparently I can't post the links as I'm a new user here....seems fair I suppose, especially considering the forum content.
My friend's husband didn't have a microSD card in (just checked), but I can toss a spare one of mine in for Aroma, which I found. I probably need for format it for FAT32, not NTFS though? Is there any way to tell if it's carrier locked? It's from a small phone company, not one of the bigger guys. I'm going to wait until I hear back to get started on this, as I'm decent with Windows based systems, but unfamiliar with the nuances of modding Android. I use a stock Sony XZ Premium myself.
Again, thanks very much! I've got some hope we can get in touch with his family now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just look at back of your phone and tell me its model, Like G935F. I will give you the correct recovery file. And recoveries have option to enable storage too so you can access data from computer. But to be honest it never worked for me. You could also give it a try before doing other steps.
You could contact on PM, or even better I could also help you over whatsapp if you wish.
And I never heard that you could brick phone by flashing recovery, maybe only if you flash incorrectly. A bad recovery will make recovery useless, but phone would still boot. Thats my experience.
I have broken password before of a Mediatek device. If you want I could try it on my own S7 Edge too to be 100% sure.

I'll send you a PM as well, but I just checked and it's a G935W8. Sorry for the delay, I work shift work and I'm pretty busy. I'm going to work on the phone on the weekend. I don't have Whatsapp currently, but I can get it. Thanks again for your kindly assistance!
UnNaMeD__ said:
Just look at back of your phone and tell me its model, Like G935F. I will give you the correct recovery file. And recoveries have option to enable storage too so you can access data from computer. But to be honest it never worked for me. You could also give it a try before doing other steps.
You could contact on PM, or even better I could also help you over whatsapp if you wish.
And I never heard that you could brick phone by flashing recovery, maybe only if you flash incorrectly. A bad recovery will make recovery useless, but phone would still boot. Thats my experience.
I have broken password before of a Mediatek device. If you want I could try it on my own S7 Edge too to be 100% sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

maxlords said:
I'll send you a PM as well, but I just checked and it's a G935W8. Sorry for the delay, I work shift work and I'm pretty busy. I'm going to work on the phone on the weekend. I don't have Whatsapp currently, but I can get it. Thanks again for your kindly assistance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey alright no problem.
Download TWRP for G935W8 from official TWRP website:
https://teamw.in/samsung/samsunggalaxys7edge.html
You can follow some instructions from this thread regarding flashing:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/s7...overy-official-twrp-hero2lte-3-0-0-0-t3334084
Flashing TWRP might cause your phone to not boot. You will need to download dm-verity disabler from the thread above.
So download TWRP, Aroma file manager, dm-verity bypass, and zip file to disable pass that the other user posted: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2780696
Download all these files and put aroma file manager, dm-verity bypass and that password zip file bypass on your SD.
Make sure auto reboot is disabled in odin, follow instruction in thread about how to install twrp. If the auto reboot is disabled, phone will just remain at the same screen, so after the flashing is done from odin. You need to force reboot on your phone (volume down + power button for few seconds), just when the screen goes off, you need to immediately press recovery button combination (vol up + home + power). Here once you enter TWRP recovery see if you can enable MTP and trasnfer data to PC, if not, goto install zip and try password bypass zip file. If it works file then ok and proceed to install dm-verity bypass file and reboot your phone. If that zip doesn't works. You need to go to same install zip file option and now install aroma file manager. From there delete the password files that I told you about earlier, flash dm-verity and reboot again.
Thats it, if get confused about a step, tell me.

Well, I attempted to install TWRP through the latest version of Odin, but it didn't work. The error message I got in Recovery/Download mode was:
"Custom Binary (RECOVERY) Blocked By FRP Lock."
I looked that up online and apparently to install TWRP, I need to remove the FRP lock. I found a program called RealTerm which can supposedly bypass the FRP lock, but it doesn't seem to be connecting to the locked phone and it's not exactly user friendly.
Am I missing something here? Or is there no way to bypass the FRP lock on the unit?